Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Ganoderma lucidum, commonly known as Reishi or Lingzhi, has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine for a variety of ailments, including respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic cough. Its use in supporting or treating Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is primarily justified by this traditional background. The mushroom is believed to possess anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant properties, which, according to traditional practices, may help alleviate respiratory symptoms and improve lung function.

However, scientific evidence supporting Ganoderma’s effectiveness specifically for COPD is limited. There are some preclinical studies and a few small-scale clinical trials indicating that Ganoderma extracts can modulate immune responses, reduce airway inflammation, and potentially improve respiratory function. For example, some studies have shown that compounds in Ganoderma, such as triterpenoids and polysaccharides, can inhibit inflammatory pathways relevant to COPD pathology. Nevertheless, robust clinical trials directly assessing its efficacy in COPD patients are lacking, and systematic reviews highlight the need for more rigorous research.

In summary, the use of Ganoderma for COPD is grounded mainly in traditional medicine with modest preliminary scientific support. It cannot be recommended as a primary treatment based on current evidence, but may be considered as a complementary therapy under medical supervision.

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